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The U.S Treasury Department will stop sending paper Social Security checks as of March 1, forcing recipients to switch to direct deposit of their monthly benefits into checking or debit card accounts.

According to the Treasury Department, about 7 percent of all Social Security recipients still get their payments in the mail. Nationally, the figure is about 5 million. In Pennsylvania, nearly 181,000 Social Security and SSI paper checks are issued each month, said Suzanne Elio, spokeswoman for domestic finance for the Treasurer Department.

Trula Hollywood, executive director of the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, said only a few of Social Security recipients left in the area still prefer paper checks. Overall, most recipients have direct deposit and the agency has been encouraging that since 2011.

"It helps prevent possible exploitation because the money is in the bank," she said, adding electronic benefits also are better for record-keeping.

The agency employees case management staff who visit senior citizens, make sure they're informed about the changes and encourage them to fill out paperwork, she said. So far, she said, it has been an easy transition.

Colin J. Holmes, administrator for Lackawanna County Area Agency of Aging, also said most Social Security recipients have made the transition to direct deposit. He said electronic benefits are better for security reasons as senior citizens "could be easily preyed on."

Converting the remaining paper check recipients to electronic payments will save American taxpayers $1 billion over the next 10 years since there will be no costs for postage, paper and printing.

"Choosing direct deposit or the Direct Express card makes it easier, safer and more convenient for beneficiaries to receive their payments," said David Lebryk, commissioner of the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service. The switch won't be optional, he added.

For years, the Social Security Administration has stressed the convenience, security and safety of getting benefit payments electronically, said Terri Lewis, spokeswoman. She said the switch offers "peace of mind that payments will arrive on time, even in the event of natural disasters or being away from home."

Recipients who still receive paper checks are asked to call 800-333-1795 or visit www.godirect.org to make the switch.

Contact the writer: dallabaugh@ citizensvoice.com

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